Did you know that air conditioners account for nearly six percent of U.S. energy consumption, which costs nearly $29 billion annually? With numbers like that, you need to consider energy consumption.
Thankfully, the energy efficient AC unit has come to the market in recent years. Read on to learn more about these models and how they might be right for you.
How Does An Energy Efficient AC Unit Work?
For at-home usage, a common energy efficient AC unit is the closed-loop geothermal system. This system relies on buried pipes that pull heat from the building and transfer it to the ground. This system can be reversed during the cold winter months, as it collects heat from the ground and transfers it to the building.
There is another option in using an ice cooling system, but due to the cost and space needed, this is typically only used for industrial or commercial buildings. This system freezes large tanks of water overnight and then passes air over the ice before circulating it through the building during the day.
How To Tell If the Unit is Energy Efficient?
There are two ratios that measure energy efficient air conditioning. Both factor in outdoor temperatures.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
The EER is computed by taking the cooling capacity (British Thermal Units per hour) and dividing it by the power input (watts). This is based on a starting temperature of 95 degrees. A more efficient model will have a higher EER.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)
The SEER uses the same measuring units as the EER. Where the SEER differs is by using varying summer temperatures, which can provide a more specific ratio to where you live.
The Energy Star Label
One way to check if a model is a sustainable AC unit is to look for an Energy Star label. In order for a product to have this label, it must meet the minimum criteria for the ERR and SEER measurements. For AC units, this is a 15 on the SEER and either a 12 or 12.5 on the ERR, depending on the type of system.
Cost Savings
You may want to research your municipality as some state and local governments offer additional incentives for switching. An energy efficient AC unit can reduce energy consumption by 20-40 percent. Factor that with the average life span of these models being 10-20 years, and you can see the savings over time.
Finding the Right Service
While homeowners have plenty of options for AC units, business owners may find fewer companies with the right experience. While not as plentiful, there are companies that specialize in commercial HVAC service. These companies can replace existing units, perform inspections and provide maintenance.
Are You Ready For an Energy Efficient Unit?
Now that you know how an energy efficient AC unit works, what are you waiting for? There are rating systems that can help you determine the efficiency. Even with the upfront costs, the savings over time will make this a worthy investment.
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